There were Pol-Ams running for Governor, Cook County Commissioner, Illinois Senate, Appellate Court, Circuit Court Judge and more. These are not lowly positions. They can wield influence and give Polonia some real political muscle.

The votes were quickly counted and there were some serious disappointments, as well as some success stories. We called it a "mixed bag," but perhaps we were just expecting too much for a community that has stood by the sidelines for too long.

There is a saying to the effect that "it’s not how you win, but how you play the games." Our candidates played the game well, so they should be more proud than discouraged. There’s another adage that encourages "if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again." We suggest that the Polish American candidates adopt that positive attitude. It has been seen to result in political success more often historically than we can here recount.

There are problems, of course, as there almost always are in any endeavor. Poles are more apt to donate millions for a statue than they are to give nickels for political campaigns. Moreover, although our community may debate political issues, they too often demonstrate a distrust of involvement in the actual battles. There is an habitual pessimism about government that is simply debilitating. None of the foregoing spells success, but we saw a welcome shift among many Polonians this year, almost imperceptible in past years, but slowly growing, away from those old habits that brought us nothing but defeat.

Congratulations to all those who sought public office, whether they won or lost. They served Polonia well just by their efforts.

The point is relatively simple. Chicago’s Polonia can rise from the political abyss and gain its rightful place in the political sphere. We can bemoan the recent loses, but we should take them as learning experiences, determined to move forward at the next opportunity. Yes, just as the Phoenix, Polonia can surely rise from the ashes.